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Birthday parties. We have all been through them, from the cute 1st year party that means adult drinks and hovering over a cake smashing kid (fun) to the house full of other peoples kids and the nefarious goodie bags. As the sprouts age, then its off to destination parties, (skating rink anyone?) Then as the milestone birthdays hit, 10, 15, 16, etc maybe a trip or special activity?

Scott Dickson @SHDickson has come into the big city from the wilds of the county to join The Beer Dads this week. He had just been on a Dad/Daughter outing for her 10th birthday that included a concert and nice hotel experience. Listen in as he gives an impromptu music critique of a Disney Band, and the memories that evening brings for both dad and daughter!

Fred Williams comes back to join the guys this week. We had no agenda, so we pestered Fred into giving us a look into the annual Solar Bears ride across parts of NC. This group gathers annually for a 3 day trek from somewhere in western NC to the coast, raising funds for Cancer Services.

Fred takes us through the humble beginnings as just a lark, to what has become an annual jaunt through the back roads of our great state. Chronicled by some of the riders, the stories of who they meet, what they experience, and how to treat saddle sores have been documented and make for great reading.

Listen in. We hope we can inspire you to do something for someone! This show may have some additional follow-up, so stay tuned!

You know them. They hover like the Seal Team 6, swooping in for the swift run, shoving their progeny out of way and go in guns blazing to rectify whatever issue tweaks them. They must protect the poor fragile children, who cannot be trusted to think on their own! Curse the evil teacher who does not let shoddy work slide. Confound the coach that rewards the players that put forth the effort, and benches those who do not. The Helicopter Parent.

Fred Williams joins Tim, Jon, and Paul for a conversation about the cell phone leash wielding parent(s) that seem to be more prevalent these days. Do these parents exert way too much influence over every action that their children make? Do they never let their kids learn a life lesson? We discuss the evolution of the helicopter parent, how we can even see it in ourselves sometimes, and how to diffuse an escalating argument with one that might be overstepping boundaries.

There comes a time when your wee offspring are too old for a babysitter. You as parents agonize over leaving the kids unattended, even for a 30 minute trip to the store or for takeout. You take the risk, it proves uneventful. As time goes on, you build up the time without adult supervision, filling the gaps with chores, keeping up with good things and bad.

Then that age hits, when you consider leaving the precious little darlings alone overnight. Tim, Jon, and Paul talk through this milestone in our kids lives, as well as our own in parenting. What is your take on this? Experience is a grand teacher. Plus, there may be some tales from the past of a certain Beer Dad who was left alone for a week.

For our 50th show, Michael Driver comes back for more with your erstwhile Beer Dads! Tim, Jon, and Paul tease out of Michael why his daughter will have the best appreciation for music. Seems that our friend had in the early 90’s a nightclub, then he wised up and opened a less stressful record/music shop, Crunchy Music Stuff, in Greensboro, NC. From 1993-2000 Michael and his partner kept the hub of the underground music scene in GSO, and upon selling the store in 2000, Michael left retail forever. You can read his epic line about why he sold out in this Greensboro News & Record article.

Through a variety of tastes, from Flaming Lips to Mötorhead to Miles Davis, Michael extols the virtue of variety, and exposure to music and how it shapes our everyday lives. We talked about his store, his club, and the other bits and bytes of the transition from 8-track to today’s digital downloads. Won’t you come listen?

50 shows! Thanks to our listeners, our guests, and our sponsors, we have brought you 50 weeks of hopefully thought-provoking and entertaining shows. We appreciate you!

Tweenhood. That time when the first hormonal bubbles start rising up and infecting our dear children. Michael Driver joins us to discuss his life with a 10-year-old daughter and how dad is now Super Hero, but as his dear Pilot cautions, the change is coming. The perfect storm of the later years of elementary school, coupled with the rise of the hormones, with a dash of peer pressure thrown in.

Tim, Jon, and Paul even throw gas on the fire by regaling poor Michael with the tales of middle school, with these classic words uttered, “Middle school is the 7th circle of Hell.” Truer words were never spoken dear Mr. Driver!

After the New Year was rung in, I had the great fortune to be invited by a friend to attend the NC Mermania event at the Greensboro Aquatics Center. This event was held on the 2-3 of January. I was intrigued, as there would be all ages and genders of MerFolk in attendance and my first exposure to the “beautiful swimmers”. The most striking thing to me was the genuine welcoming feeling that hit me as soon as I entered the aquatics center. I was in street clothes, trying not to stare, but instead marvel at intricate tails and adornments that each of the merfolk have. They take extreme pride in crafting personalities and individuality. This wonderous group were open and truly appreciated guests into their world.

My first encounter was in the shallow pool at the GAC, where small groups of children were having their in-water swim with the mermaids. That perfect childlike sense of wonder was immediately evident through the smiles and laughter echoing in the room. As I moved to the deep water area, with my friend Shannon, (North Carolina’s own mermaid, and director of the event) I was able to see the camaraderie of people sharing a common love of the water, of nature, and of purpose. I met merfolk from all corners of the earth, as some had traveled from Europe and other far off places, to participate in this convention. Most of the people in attendance use their love of the water as income, or to assist in fundraisers for environmental protection/ awareness, children’s parties, or other public functions. All are drawn by a love of the art, the love of the water, and the love for each other. If you are interested, please contact Shannon here.

I am proud that our community was able to host such a wonderful group of people. One more reason I love calling the Piedmont Triad home.